Who is answering my gardening questions on Ask Garden Guy?

Todd Farber — a Texas A&M horticulture graduate and Houston native with 33 years of landscaping experience. He’s the trusted voice behind Ask Garden Guy, helping Houston and Sugar Land homeowners with real, local answers.

Is Ask Garden Guy related to GardenLine on KTRH?

We’re not affiliated with KTRH or GardenLine, but we’re proud to continue the spirit of helpful garden talk! Many former GardenLine listeners now use Ask Garden Guy to get timely advice without calling in or waiting on hold.

How does Ask Garden Guy work?

Just submit your question online—photos welcome—and you'll receive a real response from Garden Guy or our small Houston-based team. No bots, no scripts, just time-tested advice tailored to your yard.

Is there a fee to ask a question?

Nope. Ask Garden Guy is free. For personalized in-person consultations, our paid landscaping design team at Garden Guy is also available at gardenguy.com.

Are bugs in compost normal?

Yes! Bugs like wood roaches (palmetto bugs) and ants are common in compost piles. They help break down materials. To reduce them, keep your pile moist and add more greens.

What’s the best compost ratio for Houston yards?

Aim for 2 parts browns (dry leaves, pine needles) to 1 part greens (grass clippings, kitchen scraps, coffee grounds). This balance helps compost break down quickly.

Can I compost Bermuda grass?

Only if your compost pile reaches 140°F+. Otherwise, Bermuda runners can survive and regrow when you spread compost later.

What perennials grow best in Houston?

Texas sage, lantana, salvias, Gulf Coast muhly grass, drift roses, loropetalum, and Esperanza are consistently reliable performers in Houston's heat, humidity, and soil conditions.

When is the best time to plant perennials in Houston?

Fall and early spring are the best times to plant perennials in Houston because those seasons allow strong root development before summer heat arrives.

Do perennials survive Houston freezes?

Most Houston-friendly perennials survive freezes, but some go dormant. Avoid cutting back freeze-damaged plants until spring when new growth appears.

When should I apply pre-emergent in Houston?

Apply pre-emergent by February 1st, before soil temperatures consistently reach 55°F. That's the threshold at which warm-season weed seeds like crabgrass begin to germinate. Use a soil thermometer to confirm — once the soil hits 55°F, the window has closed.

When should I fertilize my St. Augustine lawn in Houston?

When the lawn tells you it's ready — not when the calendar does. Watch for nighttime temperatures above 55°F for at least 5 consecutive days and your grass actively greening with new growth. In Houston this typically happens between late March and early May, but it varies year to year.

When should I fertilize Bermuda grass in Houston?

When it's fully green and you've mowed it at least twice. Bermuda wakes up later than St. Augustine — usually late April or May in Houston, but a cold spring can push it later.

Do I need to add a surfactant to my weed killer?

Yes — always. A non-ionic surfactant helps herbicide spray stick to the waxy surface of weed leaves and penetrate the plant. Without it, much of your spray runs off and loses effectiveness.

Should I get a soil test for my Houston lawn?

Yes — especially if you've been fertilizing and still not seeing results. Houston clay varies yard to yard. A Texas A&M soil test tells you exactly what's missing before you spend more money on product.

Sabrina Farber 1/29/26 Sabrina Farber 1/29/26

Raised Bed Vegetable Gardening for Sugar Land and Fort Bend County: The Complete Guide

Learn how to grow vegetables in raised beds and containers in Sugar Land and Fort Bend County. Get our free starter kit with planting calendar, soil mix recipe, and top 10 easiest vegetables for Houston's Zone 9 climate.

Sabrina Farber 1/27/26 Sabrina Farber 1/27/26

Best Fruit Trees for Houston & Sugar Land: 2026 Enchanted Gardens Guide

Shopping for fruit trees at Enchanted Gardens or other Houston nurseries? This guide reveals which low-chill varieties actually produce in Zone 9a. Texas A&M-trained horticulturist Todd Farber breaks down the best apples, peaches, Asian pears, figs, and more for Sugar Land, Missouri City, and Fort Bend County—plus the #1 mistake that keeps trees from fruiting.

Sabrina Farber 11/17/25 Sabrina Farber 11/17/25

🎄 Gift Yourself a Holiday Home Makeover: Best Plants to Install Now in Houston (Zone 9a)

Planting season in Houston isn’t spring — it’s now. Cooler air and warm soil help plants establish strong roots before summer heat returns. Discover the best freeze-resistant flowers, shrubs, and trees to install this holiday season and download our free Holiday Planting Guide (with a $250 project coupon inside).

Sabrina Farber 2/22/25 Sabrina Farber 2/22/25

Proper Planting Depth & Timing for Zone 9 with Aggie Horticulturist Garden Guy: The Key to a Thriving Garden

Excerpt: Planting depth is one of the most critical factors for a thriving garden in Zone 9 (Texas). Planting too deep can prevent seeds from sprouting, while too shallow can leave roots exposed and unstable. This guide from Aggie Horticulturist Garden Guy breaks down the ideal planting depths for different seeds and the best times to plant them. From lettuce and carrots in early spring to pumpkins in late spring, get the expert tips you need to ensure healthy growth. Learn the secrets to perfect planting and set your garden up for success! 🌱✨

Sabrina Farber 2/20/25 Sabrina Farber 2/20/25

🌿 FREE Houston Landscaping Cheat Sheet! 🌱

🌿 Struggling with Houston’s tough gardening conditions? Get Garden Guy’s FREE Landscaping Cheat Sheet—packed with top drought-tolerant, shade-loving, and deer-resistant plants plus expert soil & watering tips! #HoustonLandscaping #GardenGuy

Sabrina Farber 1/31/25 Sabrina Farber 1/31/25

3 Subtle Traits Of A Truly Overcrowded Home Garden 🌿

Is your home garden feeling more like a jungle than a peaceful retreat? 🌿🚫 Overcrowding is a common yet subtle issue that can turn a once-beautiful landscape into a chaotic, high-maintenance headache. As a Sugar Land landscaper, I’ve seen firsthand how poor spacing and cluttered layouts can affect plant health and curb appeal.

In this post, I’ll share three subtle signs that your garden might be overcrowded—and simple solutions to restore balance. Whether you're dealing with struggling plants, visual clutter, or excessive upkeep, these expert tips will help you reclaim a beautiful, stress-free outdoor space.

Read on to find out if your Sugar Land garden is suffering from overcrowding and how to fix it! 🌱✨

Houston Garden Help

Raised Bed Vegetable Gardening for Sugar Land and Fort Bend County: The Complete Guide

Best Fruit Trees for Houston & Sugar Land: 2026 Enchanted Gardens Guide

🎄 Gift Yourself a Holiday Home Makeover: Best Plants to Install Now in Houston (Zone 9a)

Proper Planting Depth & Timing for Zone 9 with Aggie Horticulturist Garden Guy: The Key to a Thriving Garden

🌿 FREE Houston Landscaping Cheat Sheet! 🌱

3 Subtle Traits Of A Truly Overcrowded Home Garden 🌿

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